Eberechi Eze Discusses His Rise in Football and Impressions of Teammates

In the latest episode of GOAL’s podcast, Beast Mode On, Eberechi Eze reflected on his journey to becoming a prominent player for Arsenal and the England national team, alongside former teammate Adebayo Akinfenwa. Eze expressed admiration for former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, citing him as the player who left the deepest impression on him during his formative years. He also shared that Marcus Rashford stood out to him the most during his initial training session with the national squad.

At 27 years old, Eze has established himself as a regular in the England setup, having made his debut in 2023. He recently replaced Rashford midway through the second half in England’s 2-0 World Cup qualification victory over Serbia and capped off the win with a remarkable first-time strike at Wembley.

Interestingly, while many would expect Eze to highlight England captain Harry Kane or Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, it was Rashford who particularly caught his attention during their first meeting with the national team. Rashford, who moved from Manchester United to Barcelona on loan over the summer, has excelled in La Liga, contributing six assists and two goals as Barcelona aims to defend their title.

During his conversation on GOAL’s podcast, Eze stated, “In my first session, it was Rashy [Marcus Rashford]. I had known of him through various tournaments, but in that first camp, I thought, ‘This guy’s on another level.’ The way he strikes the ball and runs with it, how he operates… he’s an incredible player. I really enjoy watching him play.”

Eze has solidified his role within the England squad and is anticipated to be part of the team for the upcoming World Cup next summer. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, who maintained a perfect qualification record, the Three Lions secured their place for the 2026 tournament with relative ease. Many believe England has a strong chance of winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966 in North America.

When discussing his experience working with Tuchel, Eze remarked, “It’s enjoyable working with him because he brings good energy. He’s a positive figure, creating an encouraging atmosphere for the players. It allows us to feel comfortable and relaxed, enabling us to express ourselves on the pitch. He is very clear about what he expects from us in specific roles and overall play.

I believe we have a solid foundation and structure in place, which is crucial for achieving something extraordinary.”